anniversary gift ideas

Choosing the right anniversary gift for your partner can be stressful! Without receiving hints or straightforward requests, narrowing it down to a gift that she’ll love can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been with your partner for a while and feel like you’ve already gifted her with your best ideas.

That said, there are a few classic ideas that are winners for an anniversary gift:

A small kitchen appliance

If your partner loves food and cooking, or even would just love a small kitchen appliance to make something of the sort easier or more fun, this makes for a great gift! Kettles and toaster sets, like ones from Kenwood for example, are very useful and if she does not have one or the other, this would be a very appreciated (and useful!) gift.

A spa day 

A spa day always makes for a great gift idea. There’s nothing like gifting someone with a dedicated ‘you time’ thought, and especially if you have kids or are in a high season of responsibility, treating your partner to a spa day where you take care of all the rest at home is a beautiful and thoughtful gift you can give. If you know she wouldn’t love to go on her own, loop in a couple of her best friends for a girls’ trip.

Fine wine

A bottle of fine wine to commemorate your anniversary is a thoughtful gift that you can enjoy together down the road. You can make it even more thoughtful by writing a sweet note that she can open the night that you decide to open that bottle of wine.

A robot vacuum cleaner 

A vacuum cleaner that does the work for you? Yes, please! I think anyone would appreciate a robot vacuum cleaner so you can just let it run and clean up after all the messes! Plus, you can even schedule it to clean on a certain time and day, making things even more convenient.

Jewellery 

Jewellery that is intentional and really makes you think of her and you know she would love is a sweet gift that also shows you’re paying attention to the little details. If you know she loves simple jewellery for example, a simple bracelet is a perfect gift to match perhaps a pair of earrings or watch that you’ve gotten her in previous years.

A weekend getaway

Especially if your partner prioritizes quality time and shared experiences, a weekend getaway is a fun gift that you can share together and where you can create new memories.

At the end of the day, your partner will love anything that you gift her with and the most important thing is the thought that you put into celebrating your time together.

That said, do you have any other suggestions to add to this list?

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It knocks somewhere, something spilled, it leads somewhere – problems with the car are different. Some of them are easy to fix, while others will require the help of a specialist.

Especially if you are traveling in an unfamiliar country, such as the UAE. The Emirates are known for an abundance of luxury cars, including rentals, but finding the best car repairing service center is not so easy. You are unlikely to master the high-quality car repair of a Ferrari or Porsche on your own. And not every car workshop can offer a full range of repairing services, including electronics, and a guarantee.

We determine when you can complete the task on your own and when a car service is necessary.

The vehicle will not start

First and foremost, recall how recently you stopped at a gas station. Some women forget that the automobile has to be “fed,” or just do not have the time.

If the fuel tank is empty, think about what fuel you use. When switching from a gasoline to a diesel vehicle, women frequently pour gasoline out of habit, and the engine, predictably, refuses to start. In the case of such a mistake, you must call a towing service to transport the vehicle to a repair center.

You may also see if the battery is empty. Perhaps you failed to turn off your lights at night? If there are any sympathetic drivers nearby, they will assist you in “lighting up” your car’s engine on their own. In the lack of such help, contact a tow truck.

The vehicle veers “to the side”

The first symptom of a problem is when the automobile starts to jerk, which is typically brought on by using fuel that isn’t of high quality. These issues cannot be solved on their own. Consequently, there is a straight route to the gas station.

Zigzagging to the side when driving is another challenge. Finding the straightest stretch of road and lightly releasing the steering wheel can allow you to check the version. If the slope is coming from a rut, the issue will go away on smooth asphalt. Contact the repair shop if the automobile is still “leading” in that situation. Damage to the tire or brake pads might be the cause, and only experts can address this.

Smoke in the vehicle

If you see smoke, inside or outside the vehicle, pull over and exit the vehicle as quickly but cautiously as you can. You can try to discover the source of ignition and put out the fire yourself if the smoke is weak and you are a bold lady who always has a fire extinguisher in the trunk, but the car still needs to be sent to the service station for examination.

However, it is risky to battle intense smoke and even more flame without outside assistance; it is preferable to get out of the automobile and dial 911.

The car’s electronics don’t work

If the electronic systems (lights, sound, sensors) are not working in the car, check if they are turned on. For instance, most premium-class vehicles have a feature that automatically turns on the headlights as you move from a well-lit region to a dark one, but cars in the medium and lower price range don’t have this feature, so you have to manually switch on the dipped beam.

There are other systems in automobiles that only function under specific circumstances, so if they are not operating right now, there is no need to become alarmed. You must go to the service station where technicians will solve the issue if you are certain that the detectors should function but they refuse.

The car has a strange smell

Try to identify the cause of any unfamiliar smells that may arise in the cabin, such as burning. A poor charger may occasionally be the cause. In this instance, discarding the broken appliance will be sufficient to make the odor go away.

But occasionally, this is ineffective; for instance, if charging “knocked out” the fuses and the electronics failed, you can’t fix it without calling the service.

There is a strange sound in the car

When outside the vehicle, strange noises should be promptly stopped and the cause should be ascertained. Maybe there is no need to be alarmed and the rustling or rattling is being caused by external things. Eliminate the obstruction and move on calmly.

Tapping inside the cabin may also not be dangerous if some objects or parts are loosely fixed.

Contact a professional if a visual examination of the automobile from the inside out does not yield any answers. Perhaps you only need to change the oil, or perhaps there is a much bigger problem, such as worn-out engine parts.

 

Post by Vital Shpakouski – Philologist with higher education, professional translator, former volunteer and teacher, entrepreneur, and salesperson with 13 years of experience. Now I’m a copywriter in Internet marketing, writing about everything that helps businesses grow and develop. In my free time, I create music and songs that no one hears and take photos and videos that no one sees.

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Mother's Day

Good food, good wine, and good company may be the perfect way to unwind for busy mothers. A mothers group lunch is not only a fantastic way for mothers to relax, but also to connect and build solidarity with other women over shared experiences. 

But since it is difficult for most mothers to take out time for group dates, any lunches planned should be enjoyable for all.

Here are a few tips on how to plan the perfect mothers group lunch.

Assign duties 

Are you hosting the lunch party by yourself or are multiple people planning it? If multiple people are planning it, who is doing what? To avoid any confusion and get things done on time, assign duties to everyone involved. 

These duties may include compiling a list of invitees, finding a location, doing the décor, preparing the food, bringing the cutlery, and so on.

Figure out everyone’s availability 

All mothers have different schedules. While some may be stay at home moms, others may have a professional career. As a result, work timings and responsibilities may differ for everyone. 

To ensure that everyone in your group can attend the lunch, it is important to ask for everyone’s availability and pick a date and time suitable for most people. You can ask everyone in a WhatsApp group or simplify the process by creating a little poll on Google Forms. 

Choose an accessible location

Assuming that most mothers are quite busy, the lunch should be easy for them to attend. The location of the group lunch is important because a place that is too far for the invitees would cause inconvenience and might make it difficult for the mothers to enjoy their day.

Therefore, the host should find out where the guests are traveling from to decide the location for the lunch. 

You could hold the lunch at home, at a restaurant, a public park, or an outdoor location such as a lakefront that is relatively convenient for all to commute to.

Plan the décor 

Aesthetics matter, and what is a perfect lunch party without pleasing décor? Once you’ve decided on your location, it is time to start thinking about how to decorate it.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on décor. You can simply use items lying around the house such as artificial flowers, bowls, and tablecloths to make the space look pretty. 

If you would really like to go above and beyond, you can choose a theme for your group lunch and decorate accordingly. 

Get a list of allergies and food restrictions 

A lunch party is no fun if some people can’t eat. While some people may be allergic to nuts, gluten, or other ingredients, others may only eat halal or kosher. 

It would really simplify deciding the menu if you knew which items to avoid beforehand. 

Compile a list of reliable babysitters

It’s not easy to enjoy a lunch party if you’re constantly worried about your children back home. Having reliable care for their children can help moms relax and enjoy their time. 

To help them out, you can compile a list of tried and tested babysitters in your area that they can hire to take care of their children while they are out for lunch. 

Since childcare is an enormous responsibility, make sure that the compilation only lists service providers that have the necessary credentials and are highly rated by parents in your area.

Have multiple food options

There is incredible room for creativity when it comes to planning a menu for a group lunch. 

You could have a multiple course meal with a starter, main course, and dessert. You could have multiple main dishes. You could have a barbecue where the meat or barbecued item is the star of the show while you have multiple other side dishes. You could even have a grand buffet to give your guests lots of choice. 

However you choose to do things, you want all your guests to enjoy their food up until the last bite. Everyone may not like the same dish so it is ideal to have multiple options. 

This is simple if you’re throwing a potluck or going to a restaurant, but if you’re planning the lunch at home, you should decide which dishes to prepare in advance. A catering service like Gathar can be very helpful in simplifying the menu and meal preparation process.

Get some wine 

A glass or two of good wine can help tired mothers relax and destress. It can also make your food more enjoyable. 

You don’t necessarily have to break out your best bottle of wine for the occasion, but make sure to go for a nice mid-range wine. 

Set up some fun activities 

All moms like to have a little fun sometimes. Set up some activities or party games for your guests to make your lunch party even more entertaining. You can set up a cupcake decorating station, hire someone to do everyone’s nails or give massages, or play some games. 

You can also go for card-based games like Pictionary, Taboo, and Apples to Apples or bring out your dark side with a hilarious game of Cards Against Humanity. 

Alternatively, you could set up children’s games such as potato sack races or play team games such as charades. Whatever you do, don’t forget to have fun!

 

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save money on utilities bills

Are you looking to reduce your cost of living? If so, you’re not alone. These days, everyone is looking for ways to save money. Fortunately, reducing your cost of living doesn’t have to be difficult. There are plenty of simple steps you can take to help cut your expenses.

Luckily in this blog post, Your Debt Expert have shared some simple tips everyone can implement to reduce their cost of living. Your Debt Expert help individuals start their journey towards becoming debt free, as well as providing information on everything from debt management plans to joints mortgages and council tax.

Check out their 10 tips that can help you get started.

  1. Review your living costs regularly

With the cost of living rising, it’s important to keep on top of your spending and make sure you’re not overpaying for essential items like energy and food. A good way to do this is to review your living costs on a regular basis, so you can identify any areas where you could make savings.

  1. Make a budget and stick to it

If you’re not sure where your money is going, it can be helpful to make a budget. This will give you a clear idea of your essential outgoings and help you to cut back on non-essential spending. Once you’ve made your budget, make sure you stick to it as closely as possible.

  1. Shop around for the best deals

When you’re looking for ways to save money, it’s important to shop around and compare prices before making any decisions. You may be surprised at how much you can save by switching to a cheaper energy supplier or shopping around for a better deal on your car insurance.

  1. Cut back on luxuries

If you’re finding it hard to make ends meet, it may be time to cut back on some of the luxuries in your life. This could include things like eating out less often, going on fewer holidays or cutting back on your spending on clothes and entertainment.

  1. Make the most of discounts and offers

There are lots of ways to save money if you know where to look. For example, many supermarkets offer loyalty cards which give you money off your shopping, and you can often find discounts and coupons in magazines and newspapers.

  1. Use less energy

One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce your living costs is to use less energy. There are lots of simple things you can do to cut down on your energy usage, such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and turning off electrical items when you’re not using them.

  1. Find cheaper ways to travel

Travel can be one of the biggest expenses in your budget, so it’s worth looking for ways to cut down on the cost of travel. For example, you could walk or cycle instead of taking the bus, or carpool with friends or colleagues when travelling to work.

  1. Grow your own food

If you have a bit of space, why not try growing your own fruit and vegetables? This can be a great way to save money on your food shopping, and it’s also a fun and rewarding hobby.

  1. Save on your water usage

Water is another essential household expense, so it’s important to try and use as little water as possible. There are lots of simple ways to do this, such as taking shorter showers, turning the tap off when brushing your teeth and using a water butt to collect rainwater for watering the garden.

  1. Consider switching to a cheaper mobile phone tariff

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your living costs, it may be time to switch to a cheaper mobile phone tariff. There are lots of great deals available, so it’s worth shopping around to find one that suits your needs.

By following the tips above, you can make significant savings on your living costs and ease the financial squeeze on your household.

 

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Things to do in Bristol

Bristol is a fantastic, vibrant city with so much on. It’s a blessing and a curse – there’s always something exciting to get stuck into, but so much on you might not even know where to begin.

If you’ve been wondering what’s on in Bristol, especially with the holidays coming up, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find thrilling, educational, and exciting family events. But also events for those moments when you need to let your hair down and indulge in some well-deserved me-time. Let’s have a look…

The Outdoor Cinema in Clifton Downs

When: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th August

Where: Clifton Downs, BS9 1FG, Bristol

As the sun sets on the stunning Clifton Downs, leaving the sky a pastel pink, nothing will beat the feeling of a great film starting as you tuck into a hot snack, sip a glass of wine, and cuddle with the kids under a blanket. Or you could go alone, your shout.

This August, The Downs will see showings of classic films such as Encanto, Rocketman, Mamma Mia!, Pulp Fiction, and West Side Story. Complete with a food and drinks bar, camping chairs, and a specially curated playlist of songs to get you pumped for the film, this outdoor cinema experience will naturally go down a treat.

The Henge Family Show

When: Sunday 30th October

Where: Lost Horizon HQ, BS2 9EH, Bristol

Stick a sieve on your littluns head, paint them green and wrap them in tin foil, because alien fancy dress is essential at The Henge Family Show. Amusing and fun in equal measures, this alien electronic/rock crossover band have extensive experience touring and has captivated audiences far and wide on many festival stages. Running from 2 ‘til 4 pm, it’s a superb afternoon out that’ll get you home in time for bathtime and your favourite show.

The Gin To My Tonic Festival

When: Saturday 3rd September

Where: St George’s Hall, Great George St, BS1 5RR, Bristol

Here’s one for when the kids are with a friend. In September, St George’s Hall will be filled with over 120 gins, including classic G&T, and luscious berry and perky citrus infusions. Drinks will be served in measures of 35ml (more than the standard 25ml) because… well, you deserve it!

Your ticket will also include a gin glass, a stainless steel straw, a gin guide, Fever-Tree mixers, live entertainment, access to rum and vodka, and so much more – a cracking deal. And with two types of tickets – one for the afternoon and the other for the evening – it’s flexible and perfect for busy mums!

Funderworld Theme Park 

When: Friday 8th – Sunday 31st July

Where: Hengrove Park, BS14 0BZ, Bristol

You just can’t go wrong with a theme park, can you? Expect the classics, such as bungee trampolines, dodgems, waltzers, and a funhouse. And what would a theme park be without staple snacks such as hot dogs, slush puppies, and doughnuts? We’ve barely even touched on half the rides that’ll be coming to Hengrove Park, and as UK’s largest mobile theme park, there’s enough to keep you and the kids busy for hours.

Bristol Harbour Festival

When: Friday 15th – Sunday 17th July

Where: Bristol Harbourside

Back for its 50th anniversary, the Bristol Harbour Festival has lots on over three days and is completely free! The range of entertainment on offer that weekend includes live music from a huge range of genres, dance, poetry, activism and more. Celebrating the various cultures of the city, the Bristol Harbour Festival is a cracking day out and a great way to celebrate our differences and learn more about each other.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

When: Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th August

Where: Ashton Court, Bristol

“What’s on in Bristol”, you wonder. Well, only Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons! If you think watching hot air balloons drift through the sky isn’t your idea of fun, we get it, it’s somewhat of an acquired taste. But don’t let that put you off because there will also be five bars, over 100 street food stalls and trader stands, live entertainment and family activities to get stuck into. And in the evening, there’ll be fireworks! It’s a solid weekend full of fun for you and the family. Oh, and it’s completely free!

Waste Not Want Not! Future Leap’s Sustainable Food and Drink Evening

When: Tuesday 19th July

Where: Future Leap Bishopston, Gloucester Road, BS7 8AA, Bristol

It’s never a bad time to learn how to be more sustainable and taste test a few delicious foods and drinks! This early evening event opens with drinks, music, and some product testing before moving on to a panel discussion and ending on a high with more drinks, music and product testing.

Answering questions such as “how can bread make chocolate?” and “how can local community groups and food stores work together?”, this event will not only leave your stomach full of tasty treats but teach you how to live more sustainably.

Peppa Pig: My First Concert

When: Monday 25th – Tuesday 26th July

Where: St George’s Hall, Great George St, BS1 5RR, Bristol

What better way to kick off the holidays than with an interactive concert that both you and the kids can enjoy? This Peppa-themed concert will feature songs from the show as well as pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. Educational too, the concert will teach the littluns about different instruments and how they sound. Finally, the kiddos will be encouraged to join in and make their own music. You might find out you have a little virtuoso on your hands!

Bristol Comedy Cabaret

When: Multiple dates spanning Saturday 9th July – Saturday 24th September

Where: Pryzm, Bristol

If you’re in need of a relaxing night out alone, with your other half, or with the girls, the Bristol Comedy Cabaret is a brilliant choice. Laughter is the best medicine, as they say! At least three top comedians will take to the stage, leaving you laughing so hard you’ll be clapping your hands like an excited seal. As you leave with a new six-pack from constant laughter, you’ll wonder why you didn’t give it a go sooner. And with multiple Saturday dates to choose from, it’s easy to fit into your schedule.

Velociraptor Show

When: Monday 8th August

Where: Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

Can you go wrong with dinosaurs? (The answer’s “no”, by the way.) Effortlessly combining entertainment and education, The Velociraptor Show teaches audiences about the lives of dinosaurs, one of Earth’s most fascinating creatures. With effects, music, a dino booklet, and a dino meet and greet, learning has never been more fun or engaging. Whatsmore, the show has proven to be popular among adults who often leave having learned a thing or two! And thanks to multiple showtimes, you can choose the slot that best suits you.

As always, Bristol is overflowing with cracking events that are perfect for that all-important “me time” but also for fun days out with the family.

Visit Skiddle for more Bristol events, event guides, and inspiration for how to spend that precious free time.

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Advertisement feature in association with Sammy Satsuma personalised recipe books

Sammy Satsuma recipe book review

This week Joey came round for the afternoon to do some baking. He turned three last month, and although I wasn’t entirely sure how good he would be at concentrating, I thought it was worth a try as cooking with kids is one of my favourite things to do. I always volunteer for the cooking activities at Brownies because they just love it so much and there’s always at least one who tries something they thought they didn’t like.

Initially Joey was sceptical about standing on the chair and seemed more interested in putting a yellow football in and out of the shed and saying he was going on holiday, but as soon as I got him in front of the pastry and he realised there was jam to spread he was 100% invested.

Cooking with kids

We were making a recipe from Joey’s new personalised recipe book from Sammy Satsuma. The concept behind Sammy Satsuma is simple – cooking is fundamental in teaching children about food and nutrition and getting kids involved in cooking means they’re more likely to try new foods. Being part of the cooking process gives them a sense of pride and investment in their food, which makes it a totally different experience from just having a meal plonked down in front of them. View Post

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baby feet

The world is undergoing a whole host of changes, particularly in the ways they are addressing gender inequality when raising children. For example, it is becoming more widely accepted for men to be stay-at-home parents while women go to work, and traditional parent stereotypes are quickly getting rewritten. Therefore, it remains a mystery that in 2022, men’s public toilets still don’t include baby changing facilities. Woosh washrooms want to look at why this is still happening. 

Let’s be honest; public changing facilities aren’t always the best. Changing tables are most often found in accessible washrooms and female bathrooms. Gender-neutral washrooms are becoming more widely accepted; however, their existence is taking a while to come to light.  However, even gender-neutral bathrooms often lack designated spaces for baby changing. This means a lot of dads have to change their babies on the floor rather than on a changing table. The time for change is now, and even celebrity dads, including Ashton Kutcher, are starting to recognise the issues and are getting involved with the petition for an improvement in facilities. 

So, how can we spark the change? This issue will not go away on its own, but solving the problem can only encourage the balance of parental responsibility. Dads everywhere are arguing to improve the number of public facilities available for them and their children.

The Increase in Single-Parent Families

The rise of single-parent families makes male baby changing facilities more necessary than ever. The Office For National Statistics released a report in 2019 that indicated a significant rise in the number of single-parent families in the UK. While married or civil partner couples still represent the majority of families at 72.6%, lone parents now account for 14.9% of British families. This is an increase in the statistics of previous years. 

What Has Changed?

Relationship breakdown is the most common reason for single-parenting. It is much more normalised and widely accepted for a couple to separate when their relationship breaks down rather than stay together just for the children. There is an increased amount of support and facilities for co-parents available. 

How Has This Changed Parent Gender Stereotypes?

Single parents are changing the way we view parenting. An individual parent has all the responsibilities that would be shared between two in a partnership. Stereotypically “female” jobs such as preparing meals and changing dirty nappies are no longer just a female’s role as responsibility shifts. 

Why Is This Causing An Issue?

The world is moving so quickly and adapting to the people in it. However, some aspects are taking a while to change their ways, including the world of washrooms. Until recently, there has been limited coverage or knowledge of the lack of baby changing facilities in male toilets. It is a niche issue as it affects a certain group of people. However, that doesn’t mean it should be forgotten. A viral campaign in 2018 was started by father of three, Donte Palmer. Palmer posted a picture of himself changing his son’s nappy in the men’s toilets. Thanks to the lack of facilities, he had to create a changing table using his knee. This sparked the media’s interest, and more people spoke out about their experience with the lack of changing facilities in male toilets. 

Why Are Baby Changing Facilities Predominantly In Female Washrooms?

Why Having Changing Facilities In Disabled Washrooms Is A Problem

It is extremely common for baby changing facilities to be located in the accessible bathroom. On paper, this seems like a reasonable option. Traditionally accessible bathrooms have a lot more space to move around, making it easier for a parent with children to change a nappy or let them use the toilet. However, it can be problematic. Someone who requires the extra room may have to wait much longer to use their designated bathrooms while a parent changes their baby’s nappy. 

There is often only one accessible toilet in any public bathroom. Regular bathroom facilities are not suitable for disabled people due to a lack of space and support. If there were more readily available changing stations in both male and female bathrooms, it would leave the accessible toilets free for people to use who need the additional space. 

Dads Fighting For Change

More dads are sharing their struggles of changing nappies on bathroom floors, and their stories and campaign for change are reaching mainstream media. After the aforementioned Donte Palmer went viral for sharing his experience with the lack of facilities in male washroom facilities, a campaign led by parents of all genders was formed to end the stereotypes that restricted parents from being able to carry out equal childcare tasks. 

#SquatForChange

#SquatForChange was born. Its name is inspired by the images of men squatting down to create a makeshift changing table for their babies. The number of dads looking for more ways to support their families and care for their children is increasing. Men are more willing to be active parents, but the world still needs to catch up. These fathers are now on a mission to “[…] squat until change comes,” and changing tables are available in all men’s washrooms.

How Can We Make Bathrooms More Inclusive? 

Public facilities are often a good indicator of the world’s gender inclusivity. Now it is more important than ever that washrooms reflect the changes we’re experiencing regarding people’s diverse and changing needs.  Bathrooms are the most frequently used facilities in everyday life, and they are used by everyone from all walks of life, genders, and sexualities. This is why it is so necessary for them to cater to this new level of diversity.

Embracing the change includes creating spaces for men to look after their children’s needs as easily as it is for women. Including changing tables in male facilities is one less stress they have to face. Installing a changing table can be a quick and easy process, so there is no excuse. 

Overview

The campaign to make washrooms more inclusive is stronger than ever. Whether you are a single parent, stay-at-home parent, or know of anyone who is, you likely know of the struggles of taking care of a child single-handedly. The world of washrooms currently still caters to the female parent. This means even if a two-parent relationship, the responsibility of changing a nappy often falls on the female parent, and men seem to be forgotten about. 

All of the fathers working to end this parental stereotyping are leading the way in helping to make bathroom facilities more inclusive than ever before. Ensuring washrooms that cater to everyone will also support the new needs of a more progressive and diverse society. The more you can respond to people’s needs; the more successful your washroom will be.

The fathers fighting to end parental stereotyping are paving the way to improving bathroom facilities and making them more inclusive. Ensuring washrooms cater for everyone supports the development of a more progressive and diverse society. For more information on the campaign for change or how you can help the fight toward gender neutrality in baby changing facilities, get in touch with Woosh Washrooms! 

 

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Advertisement feature in association with Samsung SmartThings Energy

A few months ago I had an email from my energy providers to inform me that my monthly direct debit would be going up from £100 a month to £150 to allow for price increases. I felt a little aggrieved, because as much as I appreciate that costs are going up, I live in a two and a half bedroom semi, don’t have a dishwasher or tumble dryer, and I only have three radiators switched on, so really how much energy am I even using?

Still, there we were. I’m not the only one I know, people everywhere are feeling the impact, and I’m grateful that I am able to absorb it at least. It’s horrendously sad reading about the families spending their evenings in McDonalds sharing a Happy Meal because it’s cheaper to stay warm and use the WiFi there to watch TV than it is to be at home.

Even so, £150 a month feels like a huge amount to be paying and I am always keen to save money on my energy bills if I can. I’m forever turning off lights and telling Belle to turn the TV off – she has an annoying habit of just pausing it for hours at a time while she’s watching TikTok videos instead – but it’s hard to get a sense of what really makes a difference.

I have a smart meter at home and I have the little gadget on the windowsill, but to be honest I don’t really look at it and sometimes just switch it off because all it does it scare me, it doesn’t help.

Samsung energy app

Maybe if it could give me some tips or help me manage my appliances better, that would be useful?

What is Samsung SmartThings Energy?

SmartThings Energy is a completely free app from Samsung, available on iOS or Android, that connects to your smart meter, whoever your energy provider. It not only monitors your energy usage, but actually offers practical tips and solutions to help you save money. So basically like the smart meter gadget, only better. View Post

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Last week I tidied my bedroom. Tidying my bedroom makes me feel like I’m 15 years old because in my mind grown-ups are meant to have the sort of bedrooms that somehow stay tidy. Grown ups put their pants in the laundry basket before they get into bed and definitely don’t leave them on the floor.

*looks shifty*

What I concluded in the process of tidying my bedroom was that I simply have too much stuff in there. I have lovely built in wardrobes, so it’s not like I’m short of basic storage, but there was just so much clutter everywhere, piles of toiletries and books and a large old bedside table with a huge drawer full of cables for phones I no longer have and dead batteries and old plasters.

Rather than just tidying it then, I did a proper sort out. I gathered up all the coins and old hair bands, I threw out rubbish and I filled EIGHT bags to take to the charity shop. EIGHT! I don’t even know how I did that really, I don’t even have a big bedroom. I think it was mainly clearing out the shelves in the top of my wardrobes, which I’d probably not looked at since I had the wardrobes built. This made space for sensibly stored bags and shoes and suddenly the room itself was freed up to become the tranquil oasis of calm that I always want my bedroom to be.

Then it was time for the fun bit.

I’d been asked to team up with Very, who are honestly a bit of a mecca for furniture and homewares. I didn’t realise that as well as lots of own brand stuff they actually carry all kinds of other brands, so as well as choosing one of their lovely rattan bedside tables from the sideboards section I also picked a gorgeous solid oak bench from Cox & Cox and lots of lovely bits and bobs to accessorise with too.

I had a very jolly couple of hours carefully arranging plants and ornaments and I am extremely pleased with the result.

Very sideboards View Post

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life insurance for parents

If you follow my Instagram page, you’ll know that my dog gets a starring role in many of the pictures I post. Aside from raising my human children, raising sweet pups that always have my back is one of the things I am most proud of.

If you are thinking of bringing a puppy into your life or already have wheels in motion to do so, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about training. If you are not sure where to start, here are my top tips for what to have on your radar.

Keep feeding time calm

Young puppies need to eat regularly and well to keep up their energy. If a young puppy misses just one meal, it can seriously affect its health. One of the best ways to keep them fuelled up is to set regular meal times in a calm and safe environment.

When it comes to picking what to feed your puppy, choose a specially formulated puppy food that is high in protein and good fats to give your four-legged friend the best start in life. For meal times, it’s a good idea to keep kids out of the picture and distractions to a minimum so your adorable bundle of joy can concentrate on their dinner.

Socialising

Dogs are sociable creatures and learn a whole lot of life skills from playing with other dogs. This means it’s important to start introducing them to other dogs of all ages and sizes as soon as you safely can (i.e. once they have had all their vaccinations).

If you have friends or family who have dogs of their own, that’s a great place to start! Check out local parks to see if they have dog areas or find out if there are any local groups where dog owners get together. You can often find breed-specific groups too.

To chew and not to chew

It’s no secret that puppies like to chew on things, and while using their mouths to gnaw and play is normal, it can easily become a troublesome and painful habit. When puppies are playing with littermates or other dogs, they quickly learn when a play bite becomes a painful bite. You need to react in the same way when playing with your pup. Stop playing and even act hurt when a nibble becomes too hard.

Make sure your pup has access to chew toys they can chow down on. This will help them with teething pain and has also been shown to reduce anxiety in older dogs and puppies. By giving them a clear outlet for their natural chewing instincts, your shoes, walls and furniture are more likely to avoid the chomp.

Short and sweet training sessions

You can start training your pupper from a very young age, but it’s always good to not make your training sessions too long. In the beginning, spending 5 – 10 minutes is the perfect amount of time. Any longer, and your doggo will lose interest. Rewarding good behaviour with treats is always helpful, but it’s more important to always make sure to verbally praise your furry friend too. This means that as your relationship grows, a verbal reward will be just as good as a tasty snack.

Always end training sessions on a high. If you and your new friend have trouble with a certain command, change things up and end with a command they do know. This way training will always be something they look forward to.

Toilet training

When training puppies, toilet training is the first thing that jumps into people’s minds. After all, how long do you want to be picking up puppy-sized poos and mopping up accidents for, really?

Establishing a consistent routine from the get-go is one of the best things you can do to set yourself and your pupper up for toilet training success. This means serving meals at the same time and following them up with a walk outside. It’s also helpful to head outside after your puppy wakes up from a nap or has a lot to drink.

Puppy pads can also be helpful, especially if you live in a flat or when your puppy is very young, and their bladder is not that strong. If you decide to use puppy pads, ensure they are always in the same place and actively take your puppy to them the same way you would take them outside.

The old-fashioned way of toilet training was to scold your dog and rub their nose in any accidents they had. Please don’t do this! Positive reinforcement will always be better than ranting and raving about mistakes. Treat and praise your puppy when they go in the correct place.

Puppy classes

Lastly, consider puppy classes. These are a great way to do a lot of the above tips! Socialise your furball, meet other puppy owners, do some basic training and get the benefit of working with a professional. I would highly recommend this option if it’s available in your area.

Armed with this info, I hope you are even more excited to start creating a lifelong friendship with your dog. Remember that training should be fun! It’s a great bonding experience for you and your puppy and will help show you just how amazing they are!

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food and sleep tips

If you want to sleep like a baby, or at least feel better than you do right now, you have to eat right. 

It’s as simple as that. 

When your diet isn’t balanced, you can feel sluggish, tired, and irritable — even when you get enough rest at night. And trust us, getting enough sleep at night isn’t always easy, even when you know how to do it properly.

If you’re sick and tired of counting sheep to get to sleep, don’t worry—there are ways to knock out fast and stay asleep through the night! 

This website offers aromatherapy’s soothing power for your and your baby’s sleep! 

Eating foods that provide the proper diet helps you get the right amount of sleep, and the right amount of sleep keeps your body in top form to deliver the right results at work and in your personal life. 

One way to get the right amount of sleep is to eat right before you go to bed. Eating the wrong things at night can lead to headaches, poor memory, and restless sleep that prevents you from getting enough rest. 

Here are some tips on eating right before bed so you can get just enough sleep and feel refreshed in the morning.

How Does Food Affect Your Sleep?

Eating certain foods, especially those high in sugar, can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. 

Increased blood sugar levels stimulate your brain, making it more active. In addition, these foods can lead to insulin production that may cause an energy crash later in the evening when you’re trying to fall asleep. 

Stick with complex carbs—such as whole grains or brown rice—that digest slowly and release glucose into your bloodstream over time. 

Avoid processed carbohydrates like white bread, crackers, pretzels, sugary cereals and pastries before bedtime. 

Check out Chewwies cherry flavoured Iron and Vitamin C gummies, which help reduce fatigue and tiredness.

Foods to Avoid

Here’s an underestimated component to sound sleep; Avoid foods that disrupt your circadian rhythm. 

Avoid sugary foods, for example, which can cause blood sugar spikes followed by sudden drops that make it difficult to fall asleep. 

Dairy products are another no-no; they contain tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for regulating mood and inducing drowsiness. 

We also know how fun it is to unwind after dinner with a glass of wine or beer. But is it really a good idea while you’re getting ready for bed?

Absolutely not! 

Studies have shown that there’s a link between alcohol consumption and sleep disorders, like insomnia and REM behaviour disorder. 

Lastly, it’s recommended to avoid caffeinated drinks as well since the stimulant effects of caffeine may increase wakefulness when it’s time for bed.

Try These Better Alternatives

In your pursuit of a good night’s rest, you should always opt for natural supplements that can soothe your body. 

Melatonin is one of these health supplements. 

A 2013 study from Tel Aviv University found that melatonin supplements and multivitamins helped people fall asleep faster. 

To check out these Vegan Strawberry flavoured gummies enriched with multivitamins with a blend of nutrients and antioxidants to keep you glowing all day long visit this page! 

Snack Wisely

Stick to healthy, low-calorie snacks throughout your day. 

Fatty, high-carb foods like chips and pastries make great snacks—in small doses. But if you’re prone to nighttime snacking, steer clear of these foods for optimal sleep quality. 

Try coconut water or black coffee (without sugar) if you need an afternoon pick-me-up snack. 

Caffeine from decaf sources is OK too. Be mindful not to have too much caffeine, though—more than 500 mg can affect sleep quality, so don’t go overboard with the tea or espresso!

Conclusion

We’re humans, and our bodies will always crave sleep at night, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ll be able to get enough sleep. 

Many of us suffer from sleepless nights because we’re just unaware that there are several things we can do to enhance our sleep quality and good health.

Eating right is one such way to help improve your sleep quality. 

We recommend eating about two hours before bed so your food does not disturb your sleep patterns. Additionally, drinking tea or coffee before bedtime may disrupt the natural cycle of your brain and the natural release of melatonin which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

This post was featured by Twinkl in their Sleep Blog

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tips for holidays with teenagers

Do you have an international trip coming up? If so, you may be concerned about just how much you’re going to spend. Spending money is becoming a big issue for many travellers in 2022, considering the way prices have been rising around the globe.

Chances are that you started planning for this holiday with a fixed budget. You found the perfect flights as early as possible and booked them for a low price. You organised all of your accommodation. Maybe you even paid for a day tour or two in advance. The rest of your budget you assigned to spending money for food, activities, getting around the city or town, and gifts and souvenirs.

The problem is that the past few months have not only seen massive inflation at home, but have also seen even worse inflation elsewhere. Your spending money may no longer be enough.

High costs and shortages have led to additional expensive problems for travellers. Spain’s taxi driver shortage – caused largely by the unaffordability of petrol – has left tourists scrambling to find alternative options, many of which are far more expensive. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, fuel shortages may mean you won’t be able to get around in a rental car and will have to pay a premium for any kind of transport.

If you’re lucky, you can increase your budget for your trip. But even so, you’ll be wanting to save on any unnecessary expenses. One of the expenses you can actually cut is what you pay for every financial transaction while abroad.

The cost of paying for things abroad

Whenever you travel in a foreign country, you have to deal with exchange rates that are constantly fluctuating. Inevitably, you end up finding a simple calculation to estimate the cost of things before you pay. Even if you have a good grasp of mathematics, the price is going to change day after day. A ten euro sandwich may cost you more tomorrow than today, simply because of exchange rates.

This can lead you to paying for things you otherwise would have gone without. A cute souvenir that you estimate will cost you a couple of pounds might be a different story altogether if you knew the actual exchange rate.

There is also the matter of transaction fees. Every transaction using your debit or credit card abroad requires foreign exchange services. Generally, the fee is worked into the exchange rate given to you, so you don’t see it reflected as a quantifiable amount on your statement. The amount you pay for currency exchange ends up being significantly more than you realise.

Back in the day, we would have solved this problem by purchasing travellers’ cheques or getting cash exchanged at an agency. However, we are long past using cash as our main means of payment. Fortunately, there is an alternative.

Saving with a multi-currency card

You may not have heard of a multi-currency card before. Basically, it is a debit card that links to an account that stores money in multiple currencies. You can use it as a primary account in the UK, and as a currency travel card when you go abroad.

This is somewhat similar to exchanging currency in the old-fashioned way. Instead of buying banknotes, you are transferring money into your own account. You change whatever you plan on using into the foreign currency and pay for things using your card.

This is actually a lot cheaper than foreign exchange counters. Whereas those services tend to give you an unfavourable rate in order to make money off your exchange, multi-currency cards are provided by some of the best money transfer companies around. These companies have made a name for themselves by providing cheap currency transfers at the best exchange rates.

Using a multi-currency card also makes it easier to stick to your budget. Rather than transactions appearing on your bank statement in pounds, you can track exactly how much spending money you have left in foreign currency. When buying food and other basics, you don’t need to constantly convert the cost of each item into pounds.

If you’re looking for the best multi-currency card for your travels, try the following options.

Using the Wise multi-currency account

People who regularly transfer money internationally are familiar with the name Wise. The company is one of the pioneers of the money transfer company startup boom and is trusted by millions around the world. In addition to their regular transfer services, Wise offers a multi-currency account and card. This card is able to hold money in 50 different currencies.

Wise is a great option because they have consistently innovated to provide the best technology. Transferring money into your multi-currency account is quick and easy to do online or through their app.

For people who run ecommerce websites and sometimes sell to buyers overseas, you can use a Wise account to receive payments from most payment portals, then keep those funds for your travels. This way, you never have to worry about exchange rates.

Wise is also useful because you can easily transfer money to a friend or family member who is using a multi-currency account. So, if you want to give your kids some cash to spend, or if you want to pay a friend back for a bill they covered, you can make a quick transfer.

Using the Revolut multi-currency account

If you’re looking for an alternative to Wise, you may have heard the name Revolut. Revolut is another money transfer company, which you can actually use as an online bank or neobank. You can use your Revolut account to do everything from receiving and making payments to starting your investment portfolio. They also have a multi-currency account with a debit card.

Revolut’s multi-currency card works similarly to Wise’s, and it is innovating in the field. Excitement around the company has led to a huge amount of popularity. If you have money in cryptocurrencies, you can actually use it through Revolut.

However, there are reasons to avoid this company. They have been involved in well-publicised scandals, and their cryptocurrency offerings aren’t regulated by the FCA. They also have a fair number of customer complaints, even if the majority of reviews are positive.

Using a Post Office travel card

For those people looking for a trustworthy and ‘safe’ travel card, the Post Office may seem like the perfect option. After all, the institution has been around far longer than just about any other business. However, the Post Office’s money transfer capabilities are not actually operated by the UK Post Office. Rather, it is a white-label service operated by Western Union.

The reviews for the Post Office currency account are not good. Users have complained about high fees, a lack of transparency, and bad exchange rates. In other words, they are everything you are trying to avoid.

Which multi-currency card is cheapest?

Since you’re looking to save money, your decision will take cost into account more than any other factor. As such, the Post Office is not going to be the solution for you, as you’ll just end up paying more.

When it comes to Wise and Revolut, you are going to struggle to separate them based on cost. Each of these companies are renowned for providing the best exchange rates with a lot of transparency. You will only end up spending the money you plan to spend.

Since you have to choose one option, Wise is the safest in terms of reputation. Revolut is a company that is on the up, but they have not yet proven their trustworthiness, especially considering the bad press they have received. Wise has consistently gotten great press and has many devoted fans.

Travelling this year is going to be different, as you grapple with just how much more expensive everything is. However, by cutting down on exchange rate and transaction fees, you can mitigate some of the damage.

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